Hints on Crochet

Learning to work with an even tension
is essential to the correct sizing of your garment.

Always test a sample and adjust the
hook size up or down to achieve the required gauge.

Hold yarn and hook in a manner
comfortable for you and let yarn flow freely.

Never count the loop on the hook.

The appropriate number of chains must
be formed at the beginning of each row so that you are at
the right height for the next row. This turning chain
forms the first stitch of the next row unless otherwise
indicated.

Always pick up 2 loops from the stitch
in the previous row unless the pattern instructs the
front or back loop.

A space is the gap between each
stitch, sometimes enlarged to a one or two chain space,
etc.

Never work a slip stitch into the
first stitch.

After completing work, draw through
loop on hook once more. Cut yarn and draw end through.

To begin your chain form a slip knot
in yarn.

Abbreviations:

CH = CHAIN

SS = SLIP STITCH

SC = SINGLE CROCHET

DC = DOUBLE CROCHET

HD = HALF DOUBLES

TR = TRIPLE

HLF TR = HALF TRIPLE

DBL TR = DOUBLE TRIPLE

BASIC STITCHES

chain -- with slip knot on
hook, pass the hook under yarn, catch the yarn and draw
yarn through loop on hook.

slip stitch -- insert hook
into stitch to left of hook, catch yarn with hook and
draw through stitch and loop on hook.

single crochet -- insert
hook into stitch to left of hook, catch yarn with hook,
draw through stitch, catch yarn and draw through stitch
and loop on hook

double crochet -- wrap
yarn around hook once. Insert hook into 2nd stitch to
left of hook, catch yarn with hook and draw through
stitch, catch yarn and draw through 2 loops on hook,
catch yarn and draw through remaining 2 loops on hook.

half double crochet -- wrap
yarn around hook once. Insert hook into 2nd stitch to
left of hook and draw through stitch, catch yarn and draw
through remaining loops on hook

triple crochet -- wrap
yarn twice around hook. Insert hook into 3rd stitch to
left of hook and draw though stitch, catch yarn and draw
through 2 loops, catch yarn and draw through 2 loops,
catch yarn and draw through remaining 2 loops on hook.